Six Colombian Troops Die in Rebel Drone Attack Near Venezuelan Border

A Colombian military base near the Venezuelan border was attacked by the ELN guerrilla group using drones and explosives, resulting in the deaths of six soldiers. More than two dozen other soldiers were wounded in the assault.

The ELN, established in 1964 and drawing inspiration from the Cuban Revolution, stands as the oldest surviving guerrilla organization in the Americas. They maintain control over significant regions involved in drug production within Colombia. Attempts at negotiating a peaceful resolution have consistently been unsuccessful.

The attack occurred on Thursday night at a rural military outpost in Aguachica, situated close to the Venezuelan border. This marks the second deadly encounter with security forces within a week, bringing the total number of soldiers killed to at least eight.

Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his strong condemnation of the attack on social media early Friday. He stated, “I categorically reject the ELN’s terrorist action using drones and launching of explosive devices against a Military Base … with the regrettable loss of 6 of our soldiers and at least about 28 soldiers wounded.”

In October, the United States imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro amid accusations of reluctance in targeting armed cocaine-trafficking groups.

Petro, himself a former guerrilla, assumed office in 2022 and pursued discussions with heavily armed cocaine-producing groups, opting for dialogue rather than outright conflict. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. these negotiations have stalled.

Amidst a campaign against alleged narco-trafficking off the Venezuelan coast, Washington has cautioned Petro about potential consequences related to Colombia's cocaine production.

The United Nations identifies Colombia as the world's leading cocaine producer.

The ELN, with a presence in over a fifth of Colombia's municipalities (numbering over 1,100), declared its commitment last week to defend Colombia against what it perceives as US “threats of imperialist intervention.”

According to the Insight Crime research center, the group has also expanded its presence into neighboring Venezuela, establishing itself in eight of the country's 24 states. This expansion has allowed the ELN to increase its financial resources, territorial control, and political influence.

Despite its claims of leftist, nationalist motivations, the ELN is heavily enmeshed in the drug trade, solidifying its position as one of the region's most powerful organized crime entities.